I have felt time and again that one of things that leads me into temptation is not being focused. Sometimes when I sleep in I feel groggy upon waking. In this morning haze I often let my mind wander where it wants. If I’ve had a dream that’s sexual in nature my mind can be drawn to that in its foggy state. Not so good.

I’ve grown up learning about morning and evening prayers. In the case I described above, morning prayers are definitely a start to me gaining focus in my morning.

I learned a while ago just how powerful it is to “pray always.” Now of course that doesn’t mean that I’m on my knees all day long, but it DOES mean that I watch all day and pay attention to where my eyes are going, what I’m thinking, what feelings I’m having and what I’m saying and doing…which are an outcome of the first three.

At first it was really hard for me to recognize when I was in a state ripe for indulging. I had just acted so many times on the thoughts & urges that the window of awareness was small, but it’s getting easier. After many prayers and some practice it is becoming easier.

Sometimes it’s hard for me to remained focused on any given plan of attack. I think at times I make it too difficult, too many steps. So, I’m going to recommit myself again and try a simpler plan…3 weeks is the ultimate goal, but I haven’t gone 1 week in a while without giving in to some temptation or another, so I’ll start there.

The things I’m going to do daily

1. Spirit:
   1. Study the Word
   2. Prayer
2. Mind:
   1. Practice Face it. Replace it. Connect.
   2. Journaling
3. Body
   1. Exercise
   2. Good Sleep
4. Others
   1. Serve
   2. Work

Now that I write it out, it again seems like too much…is it? Eh, I’ll give er a shot. These are all very powerful things in my life. I’m also going to track how well I keep my eyes focused on good things, my thoughts on truth, my hands where they should be , and my actions in check.

Related Blogs

1. Exercise your body: giving blood to your brain is a good thing. Find an exercise you like to do, at your level that breaks a sweat at least 3-5 times a week. Body and mind are very connected.

2. Read good books: getting lost in an uplifting, enjoyable novel or self-help book can be a change from the same old thing.

3. Do a kind act for someone once a day: Porn sucks one into a world of selfishness. Without taking thought consciously for others you’ll risk a pitfall into loneliness or depression.

4. Hit your knees and take up prayer: to open yourself up spiritually to a higher power and the pure intelligence that can come from such a connection is at the heart of any recovery.

5. Be industrious: it’s different for everyone, but make sure your time is filled with work that benefits others, energizes you keeper idleness from flooding you with all kinds of temptations and urges.

6. Consider an internet break: a little fast can help you gain perspective and if this is where your problem is will give your some sobriety and time to think about your recovery.

7. Drop the hard music and grab a classical CD or two. Peaceful music has been shown to calm the body and ease stress and merry.

8. Meditation: Breath in and out. Learn to relax man, you’re too uptight!

9. Daily Structure: This can help you get in positive routines that can keep you out of trouble.

10. Positive imaging: Call it visualizing, imaging or whatever else you want, but spending time daily to bring good feelings and pictures into our minds charges us with ability and confidence that leads to better tackling of challenges.

You may feel the need to do all of these. If you’re good at beating yourself up when you don’t do something and you’re know to take on too much at once, pick one to start with. Do it daily for a week, then as you feel good about it, move on to another.

To learn more about sexual addiction recovery sign up below for a free mini-course that teaches principles that have helped thousands recover in clinical settings.

1. Be honest with yourself. Self deception is dangerous because we so often don’t even know we’re doing it. Ask yourself why you look at porn, what your justifications are, if they are true and what you will do to live honestly with yourself.
2. Confide in a loved one. There’s a powerful air of secrecy that is broken when you share your addiction. You also learn that you are still worth of love.
3. Do not be opposed to setting barriers for yourself. Just as one with an alcohol addiction shouldn’t frequent bars, you may wish to impose limits on your internet use. You may also wish to choose not to go to movie or grocery stores alone. You know your limits, don’t push them.
4. Connect with others. There a deep joy that comes from real connecting – a smile, a surprise note of thanks or helping someone with their groceries. It doesn’t have to be big but these acts daily given will help to give you something with which to contrast the false connection that pornography offers.
5. Learn of your addiction. Knowing is half the battle, was the old line from the GIJOE cartoons. Another saying tells it true, “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” Commit to learning and you will be amazed at the ammunition you will have to battle your addictions.
6. Put your trust in the Lord. Many 12-step programs exist & a core premise is that the journeyer open up to their higher power. There’s a reason – because God is the only one that knows fully what you are going through and exactly how you can find true and lasting freedom. Turn to your Father in Heaven and you will find that you will gain access to not only the truth of the entire universe, but to your greatest friend and cheer leader.
7. Be active. This is two tips in one. Both exercise and being productive can help tremendously. Feelings of depression, worthlessness and low self-esteem are often easily remedied by works and by working out.

My goal with these steps is to give hope and ideas to those seeking to know how to stop porn addiction from ruining their lives. I am assured that there is deliverance and hope for all true seekers of hope and light. To learn more about conquering porn addiction and to get free podcasts about how to stop sign up on the form to the right.